Chemical compounds associated with Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons (Orthoptera: Acrididae), by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis

Semiochemicals are chemicals that mediate inter- and intraspecific interactions between insects. Recently, these chemicals have begun to be investigated as an alternative for the management of the Central American locust, Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons (Walker, 1870), a pest that can cause substantial damage to crops, pastures, and native vegetation. A suitable method for investigating the range of semiochemicals present in Central American locust is surface washing in organic solvents. In the work described here, the extraction of chemical compounds was carried out with hexane in a 1:10 (w/v) ratio, in 2 resting periods (1 and 24 h) and 2 stages of Central American locust development (young adult and adult in reproductive stage). By Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, 17 chemical compounds previously identified with semiochemical potential in other insects were detected. The study of semiochemicals in Central American locust offers the opportunity to identify specific chemical compounds that may have the potential to implement management alternatives for this pest. Specific studies of each compound detected in this work are needed to elucidate whether they have semiochemical activity and potential to combat the pest and reduce the environmental damage caused by the application of synthetic chemical products.